Classic Baltics

Labas! Welcome to Lithuania. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Vilnius with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early, spend some time getting to know the city, home to lots of hip bars, cool cafes and street art. After the meeting, you’ll have the option to join your leader and new travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, join the group for a leader-led orientation walk through the city. You’ll pass through Cathedral Square and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, learning about the legend of Vilnius' creation and the prestigious history of Vilnius University. Continue to Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn – a famed painting of the Virgin Mary that adorns the 16th-century city gates. You’ll then have some free time to maybe hike to Gediminas Castle Tower or check out the views from the lofty TV tower – Lithuania’s tallest building and the location of where Lithuania gained independence from the Soviet Union. This afternoon, visit Trakai Island Castle – sitting on an island in Lake Galve, the construction of this stone castle began in the 14th century by Kestutis. Around 1409, major works were completed by his son Vytautas the Great, who died in this castle in 1430. (B)

Hop aboard a comfortable public bus to Riga, Latvia. When you arrive, transfer to the hotel, just a short walk from the symbolic Freedom Monument – or, as she's affectionately known to the locals, Milda. Head out on a guided walk with your leader, navigating the narrow, cobbled streets to discover the key sights of the Old Town. You’ll stop for lunch at the sprawling Central Market, housed within five repurposed Zeppelin hangars. The stalls feature everything from local pastries and traditional Latvian soups to tempura and fried chicken. Maybe try a few of the local specialities – such as Riga black balsam (an herbal liqueur) – before digging into a meal made from fresh, seasonal Latvian produce. (B)

Today is a free day to get to know Riga at your own pace. Most of the Art Nouveau architecture the city is known for can be found in the neighbourhood known as 'the quiet centre'. You could stroll along the canal that intersects the city's central park or visit one of the many museums. Maybe take in views of the city with a drink at a rooftop cafe (your leader will be able to make some recommendations) or, if the weather is right, make the trip to the popular beach resort town of Jurmala. (B)

Rise early for the trip to Saaremaa Island – the largest island in Estonia. This heavily forested island is known among Estonians as the perfect place to relax in nature, and you’ll see why. Arrive in the island's south by the late afternoon and transfer to your accommodation for the evening. You’ll stay in a cosy locally-owned property, surrounded by forest, in a log cabin. You may like to take a walk in the woods and work up an appetite for dinner tonight, which will feature some hearty local favourites like Baltic herrings and potatoes with dill. (B/D)

After breakfast, head to the biggest town on the island – Kuressaare. One of the biggest draws here is Kuressaare Castle – one of Estonia’s best preserved fortresses, complete with terracotta conical spires and a shimmering moat. Spend some time exploring the castle grounds and accompanying museum to learn more about life on Saaremaa throughout the ages. Then, hop on a public bus to the Estonian capital of Tallinn – now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historic Old Town. When you arrive, maybe explore the streets of the Old Town at your own pace and ask your leader for the best spots for some local cuisine. (B)

Get you acquainted with the key sights of Tallinn on an orientation walk. Then, head to a marzipan (a sweet made of almonds and powdered sugar) workshop in one of the oldest coffee shops in the city. Marzipan is one of the oldest sweets made in Estonia and locals are convinced that the honour of inventing marzipan belongs to them! During the workshop, you’ll paint your own marzipan figurine under the guidance of your local instructor as you learn about the history of marzipan. This afternoon, maybe hire a bike for some active sightseeing. Tonight, you might like to head out with the group for one last meal together, washed down with a glass of kali (a fizzy drink made from boiled rye bread). (B)

Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers – your trip ends this morning after breakfast. There are no activities planned for today, but Tallinn has a lot to offer and there's plenty to keep you busy for a few more days. If you’d like the extend your time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)